[21F] Pregnant with gastrointestinal symptoms and upper abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female, currently 35 weeks pregnant, presents with vomiting, diarrhea, and sharp pain at the top of the uterus and under both ribs. The pain is alleviated by leaning back. She reports feeling shaky, similar to hypoglycemia, but has eaten recently. The shakiness is primarily in the arms and started concurrently with the vomiting. The patient has a history of two pregnancies, with one living child, and no complications reported during the current pregnancy. She denies severe headaches, vision changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and decreased fetal movements. She has no known drug allergies and is taking prenatal vitamins and enoxaparin (a blood thinner) once daily. There is no family history of preeclampsia or other pregnancy-related complications, and she denies the use of tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drugs during pregnancy.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. It's usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and eating bland foods once you can keep them down.
Gallbladder Disease: The gallbladder is located under the liver, near the top of the abdomen. Problems with the gallbladder, such as gallstones, can cause sharp pain in this area, especially after eating.
- Treatment can range from dietary changes to medication to surgery, depending on the severity and type of gallbladder disease.
Preeclampsia: This is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the liver and kidneys. It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in women whose blood pressure had been normal. Given your symptoms of upper abdominal pain and feeling shaky, this is a possibility that should be ruled out.
- Treatment often involves medications to lower blood pressure, but delivery of the baby is the ultimate treatment.

What you can do

Given your symptoms and the fact that you are pregnant, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. While waiting for medical help:

Try to stay calm and rest as much as possible.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Avoid eating any foods that may exacerbate your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Blood in your vomit or stool
Severe headaches or changes in vision
Decreased movement from your baby
Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Always seek advice from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines